Southland, New Zealand, offers a variety of sailing tours for travelers to explore the stunning coastline and picturesque harbors. Some of the top sailing experiences in the region include the Milford Sound Cruise, which takes you through the ancient fiord surrounded by snow-capped alps and towering peaks. You can opt for a kayak tour to get up close to icebergs and the Tasman Glacier wall, and keep an eye out for seals, dolphins, and the rare Fiordland Crested Penguins.
Another notable experience is the Whale Watch Kaikōura, offering an ultimate marine life experience with boat tours to view sperm whales, humpbacks, orcas, southern right whales, and dolphins. The Southern Discoveries Coach & Cruise tour, starting at the Hermitage Hotel in Te Anau, provides access to remote areas and beautiful scenery, serving as a gateway to Milford Sound. TSS Earnslaw, known as "The Lady of the Lake," is a historic steamship launched in 1912 that offers cruises across Lake Wakatipu in Queenstown.
Additionally, Southland and New Zealand as a whole offer opportunities for skippered voyages and sailing tours with 15,000 kilometers of coastline, sheltered sounds, and island-dotted harbors.